For most people, buying a home is the most significant purchase they will make in their life. For this reason, we have compiled a number of steps to help steer you in the right direction and make the process as smooth as possible.

Determine your budget

Before anything else, the first step is to determine how much you can afford to pay in loan repayments. Doing so will give you an idea of the size of the loan you can take out and the type of property you can afford to buy.

Use our mortgage calculator to calculate how much a loan will cost you per week, fortnight or month, then subtract this figure, along with any other expenses, from your income during the same time period.

Remember to remain realistic when determining your budget and ensure that the figure you are left with does not leave you short for any unexpected expenses that may come up in the future.

Start saving

Saving the largest deposit possible for your home loan will mean that you spend less in the long run. The larger the deposit is, the smaller the loan and the less interest you will be charged.

A larger deposit presents you as less of a risk to lenders, allowing you to negotiate a lower interest rate. Furthermore, saving a deposit of at least 20% of the property value often means that can avoid paying 'Lender's Mortgage Insurance', an insurance that protects the lender if you cannot repay your loan.

Organise finance

Choosing the right lender is an important part of the buying process. When comparing home loans, have a clear idea of which key features you require from your loan and gather information from different lenders regarding features and fees.

Here at Wiseberry we have the ability to put our buyers in direct contact with lenders, often at special rates that are not offered through other channels. For more information and to let us put you in direct contact with a banker, please visit our finance page.

Get pre-approval for your mortgage

Pre-approval lets you know exactly how much you can afford to spend, giving you a clearer idea of the property you are looking for and saving you from spending time looking outside of your price range.

Pre-approval also provides you with an advantage over other buyers when making an offer on a property. If other buyers already have their finance organised while you are still waiting, they may steal your dream property before you have the chance to sign it. Getting pre-approval allows you to make an offer on a property with confidence that your finance has already been organised.

Get to know the market

Research recent sale prices and auction results in your preferred locations and compare the results against what you are looking for and your budget. This will give you an idea of what's on offereder and at what price, which will allow you to further fine tune your search.

Research the local area

Gather information about the area you are looking to buy in. Find out if the suburb is right for you, as well as if the local amenities will satisfy your needs. Check if there are any development, construction or rezoning projects planned in the future and consider how these will affect the value of your home.

Hire an agent

Hiring a buyer's agent will take a lot of the hard work out of searching for a home and can help you find a property that ticks all the boxes in a shorter time. Agents often have access to new properties before the general public do, allowing you to remain one step ahead of other buyers.

A buyer's agent will search for properties that meet your particular needs, ensuring that you don't waste time looking at properties outside of your requirements. They can organise a portfolio of properties that fit your criteria and take you to view each home.

Importantly, a buyer's agent can provide you with support during the auction and negotiation process. Their negotiation skills and knowledge of the process will help you secure the lowest purchase price possible. Their market knowledge also allows them to identify overpriced listings, saving you the risk of spending more than you should on a property.

Visit open homes

Once you have an idea of the requirements and price range of the property you are looking to buy, the next stage is to create a shortlist and begin attending open homes. When inspecting the property, ensure that it not only meets your requirements but is also free of problems that will cost you money down the track. Don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure that you gather as much information about the property as possible.

Before purchasing a property, it is a good idea to view a property more than once before making a final decision. This will ensure that you do not miss anything that may have gone unnoticed in your initial visit, as well as give you the opportunity to clarify any questions you may have with the agent.

Keep updated

Stay up to date on any new properties that come onto the market so that you can be the first to act. While your dream home may not be on the market today, subscribing to newsletters and property updates ensures that you will not miss a beat if it comes onto the market tomorrow.

Krystal Wilson
AUCTION TIME! Tonight 5:30pm this beautiful property goes under the hammer. We will be holding an open home from 5pm till 5:30pm. We look forward to seeing you all there.#wiseberryauction #50areeves

6th Jun 2018 9:44 AM

Krystal Wilson
It's offical we are partnering with Coast Shelter for this year's winter appeal. We are excited to be helping our local community first. It all start's in our own backyard!

#ourhome #ourpeople #ourcommunity #thewiseberrydifference

6th Jun 2018 9:40 AM

Krystal Wilson
And just like that our first donation is in! A very big THANK YOU to the lovely members especially Iris Clay who attend The Craft Group here at Kariong Neighbourhood Centre for all your hard work in making these very warm blankets, beanies and scarfs. If you would like to join this group they meet every Thursday details below.

Thursday is Craft day at the Centre. Why not join us for a cuppa and chat, and bring along a project that you are working on. Every Thursday during school term from 9.30 - 12.00pm. $4 members $4.50 non members. Morning tea is included

Krystal Wilson
Introducing our not so newest member of the sales team me Krystal Wilson.

I have been in our Administration/Reception role since we opened the office. However I have seen that my attention to detail and desire to really help people would be better put to use as a sales agent. I can't tell you how excited I am to serve the Kariong, Point Clare, West Gosford and Mountains area's.

You'll see or hear from me soon enough. In the meantime though any questions you may have please feel free to contact me on 0423863843 or the office on 0243260500

10th May 2018 3:26 PM

Krystal Wilson
We are excited to announce that we will be sponsoring the children of Kariong Public School for all there hard work and effort throughout each term.

28th Feb 2018 11:07 AM

The reason for our success is simple; Our highly trained agents are able to offer professional caring services and negotiate the highest possible price for your property.